Traceability and transparency for sustainable value chains in the garment and footwear sector
SLF is proud to support the work of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe having been involved in this transformative project since it was launched in 2019.
SLF’s Managing Director, Deborah Taylor, is a UN/CEFACT Consultant and has been part of the core project team since April 2020, working with the Secretariat to provide expertise and input on the leather value chain.
The aim of the project is to create a Traceability and Transparency standard for the garment and footwear sector which will enable value chains to consider the use of a standarised set of criteria, data and information exchanges to support sustainability claims and good practice.
The project is well advanced now and Policy Recommendations and Guidelines have been approved during a UN Plenary session held during April 2021. Work is now under way on a Leather Blockchain Pilot that will take place during the second half of 2021.
In addition there is a series of 6 training workshops planned to start in September in Italy and then take place in different global geographic regions to provide education and understanding. Each workshop will span 3 days and the training will be modular to meet the needs of different levels of participant.
The UNECE invite all industry stakeholders to submit their pledge to improving sustainability in the garment and footwear sector. The deadline for submissions is 10th September 2021. Click here for more information:
The Sustainability Pledge
UNECE Toolbox
Get involved
For more information on the project you can read the latest press release here:
The leather blockchain pilot is in development currently and welcomes participation from leather industry stakeholders who would like to demonstrate traceability and transparency of their value chains. Preparation meetings are starting to take place during June 2021 and if you would like to be involved please contact the Secretariat through the project page in the link above or you can contact Deborah Taylor for more information here by clicking the button below: